Stoic elements in Pauline and patristic thought

There is much disagreement as to the measure of Stoic influence on the writings of St. Paul the Apostle. At Tarsus, Paul certainly had opportunities for hearing Stoic lectures on philosophy. And it may be that his discussion of nature and the teaching of it (1 Corinthians 11:14) is Stoic in origin, for it has a parallel in the Manual of Epictetus 1.16, 10. Although not a Stoic technical term, syneidēsis, which Paul used as “conscience,” was generally employed by Stoic philosophers. In 1 Corinthians 13 and in the report of Paul’s speech ... (100 of 5,556 words)